no alt text

Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Rebecca Winke

Rome’s Jewish Ghetto is Europe’s most engaging and intriguing Jewish quarter, but its charming character belies its tragic past, culminating in the rounding up and deportation of some 2,000 Jewish inhabitants in 1943; only 15 returned.

Created in 1555 by Pope Paul IV, today the Ghetto has a villagey charm, lined with restaurants, kosher bakeries, small art galleries and a majestic, 1904 Synagogue.

The area also serves up some of the best food in the city – don’t miss traditional specialties such as carciofi alla giudia (deep fried artichokes), baccalà (cod in batter) and fried courgette flowers.

Don’t miss

At the far end of Via Portico d’Ottavia is an archway to the ruins of an ancient walkway connecting the neighbourhood to the Roman Forum. On warm evenings, join locals hanging out at cafes and bars along the historic high street.

While you’re there

Nonna Betta is the Ghetto’s famed Italian/Kosher restaurant with reproductions of murals depicting life in the quarter in the 1800s. Book ahead of time to nab a sought-after table pavement side.

If you don’t mind standing in line, don’t leave the Ghetto without tasting Forno Boccione’s sweet and savory speciality, their Beridde pizza. This oblong pastry, on a caramelized base that’s slightly burnt, is made with candied fruit, nuts, and raisins.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Ghetto is an easy, 5-minute stroll from the Campo Campo de’ Fiori and a 15- to 20-minute walk from the Colosseum.

When to do it

Keep in mind that Saturday is the sabbath for observant Jews, so you may find many of the shops and restaurants closed on that day.

Who to go with: organised tours

5

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Small-Group Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Campo fiori Jewish Ghetto

Rome

Small-Group Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Campo fiori Jewish Ghetto
Jostle with locals for the best food in town on this 3.5-hour small-group food tour of Rome! Focusing on the most exciting gourmet haunts in up-and-coming Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto, your tour also includes must-visit sites like Campo de' Fiori’s famous market (only in the morning-Sundays excluded). Sample much-loved Italian classics such as pasta and gelato, as well as lesser-known specialties like fried artichokes or other seasonal specialties. For most Italians, a good time has to involve food, so what better way to see Italy’s charismatic capital city than on this food walking tour! Numbers are limited to 12 on this small-group walking tour ensuring you’ll experience everything with personalized attention from your guide.

Price: €93

Min age: 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [1999 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour Rome

Rome

Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour Rome
This tour is one of our most popular walking tour offered, which will bring you from the Campidoglio, Theater of Marcello and into the Jewish ghetto where you can find the biggest synagogue of Rome. From there it's only a short walk over to the famous lovely square "Campo di'Fiori" where are everyday markets going on. From there we will hop over the oldest bridge in Rome on to the Tiber Island, and up to the Trastevere district where the tour will end on the square Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. After your paid the booking fee there will be no extra cost except tips to the tour guide but only in case you liked the tour.

Price: €5

Min age: 0

Rating 4.59 / 5 [1046 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Jewish ghetto, Jewish museum and synagogues with Jewish Roman guide 3 hours

Rome

Jewish ghetto, Jewish museum and synagogues with Jewish Roman guide 3 hours
You should not miss this tour if you want to fully understand Rome. the Jews of Rome are the oldest citizens of the Ethernal city, they have settled in Rome more than 22 centuries ago and still thrive. You need a Roman Jewish guide who can share with you the history, the traditions, the amazing cousine of this incredible, small and still great area of Rome. Let us show you Rome Through Jewish eyes.

Price: €150

Min age: 1

Rating 4.93 / 5 [792 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings

Rome

The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings
Eat your way through Rome's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Buffalo Mozzarella and Gelato. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Price: €99

Min age: 1

Rating 4.78 / 5 [756 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food Wine and Sightseeing Tour of Rome

Rome

Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food Wine and Sightseeing Tour of Rome
Enjoy delicious local cuisine on this 4-hour guided Food, Wine, and Sightseeing Tour in the heart of Rome. From fresh meats, fish, and vegetables to pizza, pasta, and desserts, sample a wide assortment of foods and wines produced locally for exceptional flavor and a memorable experience. Your friendly local guide will share stories as you visit famous historical sites and tucked-away eateries you’d never find on your own. The highlight of this gourmet experience is a rich dinner among the ruins of an ancient theater.

Price: €89

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [336 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rome

Lazio, Italy

Rome

The Eternal City – 2,000 extraordinary years of glory, greatness and triumph – and decadence, murder and destruction – evidenced by some of the world’s most iconic, must-see monuments and museums.